Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Lounge, nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my latest trip at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I found behind its doors was disturbing and far below any standard .

The State of the Venue : Squalid and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was evident that upkeep was not a priority at this establishment . The floors were sticky , and a foul smell of decaying beverages and uncleaned toilets filled the entire venue . Emitting a scent of a mixture of ammonia , a rotting odor and a sickly smell. The main bar, which should be the focal point of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and debris that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The toilet was in even more deplorable shape — spilling over , with a broken handle and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human excrement .

It wasn’t just a rare instance either. Based on the experiences shared online and speaking with locals , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a persistent problem . Many visitors have reported witnessing insects darting across the counter and read more signs of rats in the adjoining rooms. For a business that serves drinks , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of their products .

Management’s Behavior : website Allegations of Unethical Conduct
However, as horrifying as the mastersons bar moonee ponds state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.

During my time there, I became aware of how distressed several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was horrified to find accusations against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women citing incidents of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as excessively forward and inappropriate , his actions has created an hostile atmosphere for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a unsettling figure than a welcoming host .

The Staff’s Responsibility : Contributing or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-owner and frequently seen handling business . Instead of stepping in to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Her inaction adds a disturbing layer to the already unhealthy environment at this pub .